Autograph Letters

Founder, with Humphrey Toulmin of the Cayme Press. Total 3pp., 8vo, minor defects, good condition, text clear and complete. (The ALS (2pp.) is addressed to [Edmund prob.] "Gosse", inviting him to dinner at the Double Crown Club and thinking he would be amused. "The members are mainly publishers & include such people as Sadleir, Sidgwick, Holbrook Jackson, Harold Monro, Albert Rutherston, Emery Walker & C".

The recipient, who died in 1898, was the possessor of a celebrated library (see Seymour de Ricci, English Collectors, p.109). 3 pages, 12mo. In good condition, with edge of blank verso of second leaf of bifoliate adhering to remains of stub. She apologises for the delay in replying and regrets that they cannot 'avail ourselves of yr. kind invitation to pay you a visit as my husband is engaged to dine out on Saturday the 31st.' He is 'hard at work again' and they have had 'a delightful holiday in Somersetshire'.

English whig politician (1802-69). 1 page, 12mo. Not in good condition: ruckled, discoloured, with one closed tear and with the remains of brown card mount adhering to the reverse. Magnificently curt. 'Sir | I beg to return your letter and remain | Yr Obednt. Servt | E J Stanley | To prevent any mistake however I may inform you that I have changed my name and am now | Yr Obt Sert | Eddisbury'.

Author and editor (DNB). One page, 8vo, dusty edges but text clear and complete. Bell initially writes the text of the titlepage with extensive corrections and additions (text comes through close to the printed version). He then adds a note as follows: The word 'original' appears to me important, as so many illustrated works are made up of old plates. I would suggest that there is no punctuation in the title-page." An unusual item.

Author of "The Life and Times of Daniel Defoe, with remarks digressive and discursive" (J.R. Smith, London, 1859).Total 23pp., 8vo, minor damage, texts clear and complete. The letters concern this book about Defoe exclusively. He starts (29 Oct. 1858) "You have the whole manuscript complete now, with the Parcel sent yesterday", adding that entries (giving examples) can be struck out since they were part of library researches.

One page, 4to, sl. dusty and dulled, fold marks, but text clear and complete, as follows: "Dear Adler, I cannot remember whether "Lord of the World" was published for the first time in "Blind Children" or not, but at any rate it would be impossible for the pirates to know any more than I do. It is very probable also that I asked Funk and Wagnall's permission."

Biblical scholar, archaeologist, and orientalist (DNB). One page, 8vo, faintly stained but text clear and complete, as follows:"Your list to hand I can certainly take the little collection of tracts, beginning "England's Warning". You may also send me the two Portsmouth tracts, & the Lilburn tract, the Titus Oates sermon & the oath of the Kings of England". Harris was at this time at the John Rylands Library, Manchester and may well have been ordering on their behalf.

Novelist. One page, 8vo, text complete and clear but someone has misused scissors to make cuts in text, both 1.5", corner trimmedThe letter is laid down (with scrap attached to other side). He thanks Routledge for a cheque settling his account to date and is "glad to hear of the success of your effort in aisng a lifeboat, & sincerely hope that you may have to record the saving of many lives by it in your magazine."

Diplomatist and orientalist (see DNB). Total 20pp., 8vo, good condition. The main subject is illustrations of animals and birds perhaps relating to a book (a "book" is mentioned) which I cannot trace in NSTC, etc., but perhaps multiple copies of pages of illustrations of monkeys, kangaroos, cats, dogs, birds, seals, squirrels, etc. His first letter is dated 27 July 1851 (signed "Stanley" by Henry had not yet succeeded to the title[?]) and he asks "Will you commence printing a thousand of the monkeys. How many thousand sheets would form a convenient parcel . . . 6000 . .

Editor of Punch (1836-1917), and co-author with Sir Arthur Sullivan of 'Cox and Box'. In good condition. On slip, 1 inch by 2 1/2, cut from letter. Signed 'F C Burnand'.

English soldier, father of Frank Abney Hastings (1794-1828; DNB). The condition of these items is not good: the paper being discoloured, brittle and flaking. A series of intemperate communications. Letter 1 is one page, 8vo, of a bifoliate addressed and docketed on the reverse of the second leaf. It reads: 'I have taken a copy of the enclosed, which I send you, that you may get it written fairly, and signed. I shall be easier when it is done'. Letter 2 is 1 page, 8vo, with the remains of the second leaf of the bifoliate docketed.

British naval officer and inventor (1853-1924; DNB). 1 page, 16mo. In good condition. Attached to larger piece of card, docketed with a brief biography. 'I shall be delighted to come tomorrow at 4. pm. | Yours sincerely | Percy Scott'.

Distinguished and much-decorated American general (1896-1993), who during World War II led a squadron of army bombers in a series of intrepid raids on the Japanese mainland. In good condition. On a piece of paper 3 inches by 5 inches.

Presenter of 1930's show on BBC radio, 'The Zoo Man'. 1 page, 12mo. Folded twice. In good condition. 'All you can do for your parrot is to paint the jaws with iodine, but I am afraid the trouble may be with the kidneys & in that case you cannot do much. | Give quite simple food, nothing fattening | Yours truly, | D. Seth-Smith "The Zoo Man". Seth-Smith's book 'The Zoo Man Speaking' was published by Thomas Nelson in 1937. In grubby stamped envelope addressed in autograph to Freakes.

The recipient, George William Erving (1769-1850), was U.S. Minister to Spain, 1814-19. 2 pages. 16 lines of Spanish text. In good condition despite slight discoloration. Neatly attached down one edge to blank sheet of paper. Docketed (by Erving?) 'From the Duke of Osuna (his family name Francisco Giron)'. One of the subjects is "La Guerra a los Ingleses".

English sculptor (1860-1928). Florid signature 'Geo. Frampton' on slip of paper, 1 inch by 3 1/2. Slightly smudged but in good condition. Attached to piece of blue paper docketed with biographical information about the 'Great Sculptor'.

British Labour politician (1865-1944), leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords, 1935-40. 1 page, 16mo. In good condition, although creased and a little worn at head. 'I am sorry that you found it difficult to reach me. I leave here fairly early on the days that the House is in session & I must be there practically all the time.

Entomologist (1924-), author of the monumental 'Generic names of moths of the world' (6 vols, 1975-91). The recipient is the author of several works on gardening. 1 page, 8vo. In good condition, but creased and with one closed tear and with sellotape stains at head and foot. He thanks his correspondent for the letter of 10 September enclosing a caterpillar, and compliments him on its preservation. '[I]t is in perfect condition for determination. It is very difficult to preserve the green coloration, as in life.' He identifies the specimen as a cabbage moth.

A newspaper cutting attached to the white paper folder in which these items are placed carries a short obituary of Newton, who died 30 April [1854]. The first letter is 1 page, 4to, addressed on reverse, and the second 1 page, 12mo, with address on reverse of second leaf of bifolium. Both grubby but in good condition. Letter 1: 'I am sorry the very stormy morning will not allow me to join my Brother Magistrates in answering the enclosed Queries.

Irish traveller, politician and author (1804-69; DNB). 1 page, 4to, on blue paper, with printed address for 'further communication' in top left-hand corner. Docketed with date of reply on verso of second leaf of bifoliate, with has remains of mounts in four corners. Creased with slight spotting, but in good condition overall. Ewart & Sons were linen manufacturers and the letter, in response to one of 18 June 1864, concerns the status of 'British Vessels and their Cargoes' in the 'Ports of the United States'. Signed 'J Emerson Tennent'.

Historian and essayist (1838-1903). 1 page, 16mo. In good condition, although grubby and glued to fragment of vellum 'Honorary Testimonial' to urice B. Blake, from internal evidence clearly from the Royal Humane Society, and signed by the President, the Duke of Argyll ('Argyll') and the Treasurer and Chairman, A. B. Hawes, 'for having on the 6th., <...> risk gallantly attempted to rescue <...> was unfortunately drowned in the River'. Letter reads: 'Dear Bagnal | I return inclosed with much pleasure.

Prominent Czechoslovak diplomat, one of the founders of free Czechoslovakia (1889-1973). Slip of paper, 1 inch by 4½ inches, creased and grubby and glued to a piece of neatly-docketed blue card. Signed in blue ink beneath typewritten 'I remain, dear Doctor Esdaile, | Yours sincerely.'

Novelist, journalist and travel writer (1857-1942). Dimensions: 1 1/4 inches by 4 inches. In good condition, although creased along its length, and attached to a larger piece of paper docketed 'Morley Roberts. | Novelist & Journalist.'

1 page, 16mo. Creased and discoloured, with holes and loss caused by pin, and with strip at foot loose and neatly reattached with archival tape. Stamped in blue 'HYDROGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT | 28 SEP. 1903'. Reads 'Dear Frederick | I see by the paper on Labuan sent over here that you have had a chart showing where Tanjong Batu &c is situated - Can you let me have this | Yours sincerely | '. Docketed in red at foot 'Chart Herewith Decr. 26/9'. Docketed on rerverse in blue pencil.

English novelist, poet and dramatist (1862-1960), noted for his works on Devon. On piece of paper, 3 inches by 4 1/2. In good condition, and attached to a piece of blue card docketed with list of Phillpots works. Distinctive and attractive signature, 'Eden Philpotts | Feb: 1928'.

Special parliamentary correspondent, traveller and lecturer (1868-1936; DNB). Dimensions: 2 inches by 4½ inches. In good condition and attached to a sheet of paper docketed: 'Sir John Foster Fraser, Kt., F.R.G.S., F.J.I. | Great Journalist, Traveller, Lecturer. | (Cycled round the world. 19,234 miles in 774 days)'. Signed 'John Foster Fraser' beneath '<...> you. Salaams | Thine gratefully'.

English actor and dramatist (1824-79; DNB). On slip of paper, 1½ inches by 4 inches, probably cut from letter. Discoloration to two corners caused by mounting. Paper creased and with almost imperceptible closed tear. Florid and attractive signature. Neatly docketed in pencil on reverse.

English portrait painter (1782-1875). In good condition. Dimensions approximately 4 1/2 inches square, cropped and with some loss of text after signature. Attached to larger piece of grey paper. Reads 'My dear Sir Martin | I accept with great pleasure your kind invitation for Wednesday the 29 Inst. | Ever yours faithfully | H. W. Pickersgill'.

English ballroom dancing champion and bandleader (1900-78). Dimensions: 2½ inches by 4 inches. In good condition, with traces of mount adhering to otherwise-blank reverse. Reads 'With best wishes | from | Victor Silvester'.

Scottish novelist (1860-1914) of the Kailyard School. The fragment is one inch by three inches in size, in good condition and attached to a docketed piece of green paper. The signature 'S R. Crockett' is beneath a typewritten 'Yours as ever,'.